Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 21 2008:
A day long seminar on the 'role of legislators in implementation of Right to Information Act' was held here today emphasising on the right of the people to inform and be informed on functioning of the Government.
Organised under the auspices of Former Presiding Officers' Forum, Manipur at Manipur Legislative Assembly complex, the inaugural function of the seminar was attended by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Dr S Budhichandra as chief guest and president
respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said the Right to Information Act has been enacted to bring about transparency in the functioning of a democratic Government.
Expressing hope that Former Presiding Officers' Forum, Manipur would continue to work towards spreading awareness among the people on the significant aspects of rights to information, Ibobi observed that launching mass public awareness campaign on the Act at the district level would be helpful.
The Chief Minister further pointed out that only when the legislators carry out their duties with thorough understanding of the provisions of the Act, then there can be development in the State.
In his presidential address, Speaker Dr Budhichandra said although Right to Information Act is considered to be one of the most important Acts in a democratic society, how far it has been implemented effectively is still a big question.
So this point should also be taken into consideration in the seminar, he suggested.
In the technical session of the seminar proceeded with former Speaker Y Yaima Singh as moderator, Dr H Indra-kumar presented paper on the topic of 'Right to Information Act : Need for legislative articulation and response', Advocate Dr Ch Narendra Singh on 'Implementation of Right to Information Act', M Ibohal Singh on 'Role of legislators in the implementation of the Right to Information Act' and Prof Ksh Bimola Devi on the topic of 'Role of MLAs in the implementation of Right to Information Act, 2005' .
It may be noted here that as a step toward successful implementation of the Right to Information Act in Manipur, the State Govt has appointed retired IAS officer Ch Birendra as the State Information Commission on December 19 .